Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

What makes this cruise fun is that it mixes two things you actually came to Crete for, clear water to swim and snorkel, plus tangible sights you can see right where you float. I love the two separate sea stops with real time in the water, not just quick dips. I also like the standout detail at Menies Beach, where you can look for WWII cannon and equipment remnants while you snorkel.

The main thing to consider is that you are not stepping onto a dock. The boat anchors about 6 meters out, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach, and the sea can get choppy depending on conditions.

Quick Take: What You Should Know Before You Go

• Two swim stops in 4 hours: Menies first, then the smaller Chironisia Bay for a second round in the water.
• WWII snorkeling at Menies Beach: You’ll have gear to look for the sunken base of cannons and carriage remains.
• Ancient sites above water: Menies Beach sits on the area of ancient Diktynna, tied to the goddess Vritomartis.
• Boat only access at Chironisia: That sense of isolation matters, because it’s reachable only by sea.
• Time for water fun, plus practical onboard help: Ladder access, jump-off options, and staff support when needed.
• It can feel busy: The boat may run full when multiple coaches arrive, even if the water stops don’t feel overcrowded.

From Kolymbari Harbor to Rodopou Peninsula: Setting Up Your Sea Day

You start in the port area of Kolymbari, looking for the Smile Cruises boat. If you picked the hotel pickup option, you’ll be waiting at your pickup point on the main road with a sign for Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, and drivers wait up to 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

Once you’re aboard, the first part is a short cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. The goal here is simple: get you to northern Crete’s water quickly, with time to settle in before you gear up. You’ll also get a safety briefing early, which matters because you’ll be swimming without a pier right under the boat.

Menies Beach at Ancient Diktynna: Clear Water, WWII Remains, and a Real Anchor Point

Menies Beach is the first big stop, and it’s where the tour earns its keep. You get free time plus swimming and snorkeling for about 105 minutes, which is long enough to do a full snorkel session, grab some sun, and still have time to do it again if you feel like it.

The scenery around you is part of the point. Menies Beach is on the site of ancient Diktynna, linked to the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis. Above the waterline, you may spot remains of an ancient Roman temple and a 9th century abandoned monastery of St. George, depending on what the guide points out and how the light hits the coastline.

The snorkeling moment: WWII remains you can actually hunt for

This is the memorable detail. You use the provided snorkeling gear to search underwater for items from WWII, including the sunken base of cannons and a carriage. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll spot everything on your first try, but the point is that the snorkeling has direction. You’re not just floating and hoping.

You also get water access in a practical way. The boat can stop so you can jump off from the top deck or use a ladder to get into the water. If you’re comfortable in open water, it’s a quick transition. If you’re newer to snorkeling, the ladder route feels more controlled.

What the shoreline feels like

Menies Beach can be rocky, with stones that are described as smooth once you’re on them. Still, I’d treat the “beach day” like a shoe day. I strongly recommend water shoes or something with grip, especially if you want easy movement to the best swimming spots.

One more real-world thing: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. That means you’ll be swimming in shallow water to reach the beach. It’s workable, but it’s not the same as arriving at a sandy landing.

Chironisia Bay: A Small Sea-Only Cove With Cave Snorkeling Time

After Menies, you cruise again for a short stretch along the Rodopou Peninsula before the second stop. Chironisia Bay is the quieter payoff, a small hidden bay that’s only accessible by sea. You get free time plus swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes.

This stop is more about moments than marathon snorkeling. People who like to move slowly tend to enjoy Chironisia more, because the bay’s size helps you stay oriented. With snorkel gear, you may be able to swim into small caves around the area, as long as conditions let you.

Cave access and time pressure

Forty minutes sounds short until you realize it includes getting geared up, getting into the water, and spending time spotting fish and sea life near underwater formations. If you want the full experience, plan to enter promptly after the boat stops and anchor yourself to the idea that the best moments can happen early.

Also, water clarity is a big deal here. When it’s calm, this second cove can look almost unreal. When it’s choppier, you’ll still get swimming time, but you may focus more on comfort than exploration.

On Board With Smile Cruises: Seating, Equipment, Toilets, and Snacks

The boat experience is part of the value. Multiple reviews describe the boat as larger than expected and modern, with plenty of seating areas. You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, and there are also helpful items like floats mentioned in the feedback, which can matter if your group includes first-time snorkelers.

There’s onboard convenience that makes the half-day feel easy. One report specifically notes toilets on the boat and bins, plus that there’s a refreshment bar. Another theme: staff are helpful when someone needs assistance, including help with snorkeling masks.

Snack reality check: what’s for sale

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments on board. Reviews mention snacks like crisps and drinks, with limited choices compared to a full meal. If you get hungry fast, I’d plan to bring a water bottle and a small personal snack strategy, or at least expect you’ll snack rather than eat lunch.

Shade and sound: two comfort details that matter

Not all deck areas have shade. One review noted that the upper deck has no shade, so sun protection is not optional. Also, if you rely on the guide’s audio, keep expectations realistic. A few people noted speaker/audio clarity can be poor when you’re away from the best listening spots, so watch for hand signals and listen when you’re closer.

The Whole Itinerary, In Plain Language: Where Time Really Goes

This is a 4-hour tour designed to feel like a sea day without eating your entire afternoon. After pickup or meeting at the port, you get a safety briefing, then a cruise segment of about 40 minutes toward Menies Beach.

At Menies, the big block is 105 minutes of snorkeling and swimming. That’s where you should prioritize comfort, because it’s the longer stop and the one with WWII snorkeling details and the ancient setting.

Then you get another cruise segment, around 15 minutes, before arriving near Rodopou Peninsula again. Chironisia comes next with about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. After that, you have the final cruise segment around 30 minutes back toward the drop-off points, and then you’re returned to your hotel area across many stops.

Price and Value: Why This $47 Half-Day Can Make Sense

At about $47 per person, you’re paying for three things: boat time across northern Crete, snorkeling equipment, and guided navigation to two separate sea locations. You’re also getting a guide onboard, in English and Greek, which matters because Menies and Chironisia are not “just any beach.” The tour frames what you’re looking at, especially the WWII snorkeling angle.

Is it a luxury day? No. You don’t get included meals, and you may deal with a busier boat when multiple coaches arrive. But for what you’re doing, it’s good value: meaningful time in clear water, two swim locations, and specialized snorkeling rather than only scenery.

If you compare it to a longer all-day cruise, the trade-off is obvious. You’ll do less time overall on the water and you’ll be back quickly. That’s a plus if you want a single highlight day without losing your evening plans.

Weather, Waves, and Motion Sickness: The Practical Risk You Can’t Ignore

The tour won’t run when weather conditions are poor. Even when it does run, sea state can affect comfort. One review described a rougher ride with choppy waves and motion sickness, including someone throwing up. That’s not a guarantee, but it’s enough that you should take it seriously.

If you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, pack accordingly. I’d plan to take it easy after boarding, sit in a stable area, and avoid going to the far edges of the boat to take photos during the roughest stretch.

Also, remember the anchor-in-the-water setup. When the water is calm, it feels easy. When it’s not, swimming out to the beach can feel more tiring than you expected.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Different)

This is a strong fit for:

• People who want snorkeling plus history points without a full-day commitment
• Families with kids who can handle swimming time and boat access
• Couples who want clear water, two stops, and an easy return

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need a true sandy beach landing right from the boat
• Have limited comfort with open-water entry since you anchor offshore
• Are extremely sensitive to choppy water or motion sickness

One more nuance: fish and visibility can vary. Some people report lots of fish and sea life. Others report fewer fish sightings. The WWII remains are part of the hunt, but nature still controls the show.

Should You Book This Menies and Chironisia Cruise?

If you want a 4-hour Crete experience that gives you real snorkeling time at two locations, I think this cruise is worth serious consideration. Menies is the more detailed stop, with WWII remnants and ancient-area context, and Chironisia is the calmer sea-only cove where you can focus on swimming and cave spotting.

I’d book it especially if you plan to bring the right footwear, you’re comfortable entering the water with a short swim from the anchor point, and you want a guided day that stays efficient. Skip it if rough water would ruin your day, or if you’re looking for an included beach lunch and a dock-based landing.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour?

You’ll meet at the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 4 hours.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What time does the boat depart from Kolymbari?

Boats depart at 10:15 and 14:30.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you select that option, it’s available in select areas in north Chania.

How do we get from the boat to the beach?

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. You’ll need to swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The live guide speaks English and Greek.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour will not take place when weather conditions are poor.